In a region where television viewership numbers are still rising every year, and seasonal series and programming such as during Ramadan see record views, it is no wonder that newer forms of video communication and entertainment are also quick to be adopted. The transition of video from a unilateral, push mode to interactive and real-time – and on a mobile device – has unlocked the power of video to many millions around the region.
Bigo Live is also a popular and growing platform in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, an average of 20,000 people post on Bigo bar, the in-app feed section, every day, with #Selfie being the most popular #hashtag.
Since its global launch just five years ago in March 2016, Bigo Live has attracted 400 million users worldwide, making it one of the fastest-growing livestreaming communities in the world. The Bigo Live app is now available in 150 countries worldwide, in 22 languages, and has been ranked as one of the top 10 social apps, measured by downloads, in 119 countries.
“The success of Bigo Live is a testament to our commitment in developing a superior livestreaming product to support the vision, talent and potential of content creators in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and across the world,” said a spokesperson from Bigo Live. “We are constantly investing to improve user experience which is why our livestreaming application is becoming extremely popular. It is a source whereby people can connect with each other in a more meaningful manner as well as be entertained by highly talented individuals and celebrities. We look forward to more opportunities to connect with our users as well as with more influencers and celebrities from the MENA region in the years to come.”
A number of regional influencers are hosting live streams on Bigo Live, including popular Egyptian artists Hamo Beka and Menna Arafa, who this year interacted directly with fans through streams hosted on the platform on February 25 and 26. Bigo Live also provides ordinary people with a stage to become mainstream celebrities. In the MENA region, 74 broadcasters have more than 1 million fans and the most popular one even has up to 15.5 million fans.
Bigo Live users based in the MENA region enjoy a broad spread of content, with a particular fondness for prank videos and poetry readings, and their favourite period for viewing is between 9:00pm and 1:00am.
The Strategy & Middle East report, titled ‘Skin in the Game’, reveals that the GCC Esports market is undergoing expansion at a rapid pace, and is estimated to be worth USD821 million by 2021 – up from USD693 million in 2017.
Bigo Live aspires to be more than an entertainment platform and aims to help people within the communities it serves. It bridges the gap between the online and offline worlds by offering solutions for online education, remote collaboration, health care and providing support in times of need – such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also brings opportunities for users to connect with people and communities who share the same interests and hobbies, creating virtual groups around gaming, sports, humour, music, poetry, cookery, and so much more.
Bigo Live began gearing up for its 5th birthday celebrations with the BIGO Awards Gala in January. This Gala, the second edition, was hosted exclusively on the Bigo Live app across 20 time zones and 150 countries on five continents, and was watched by millions. One of the highlights of this major event was the lighting up of popular landmarks across the world, including the Burj Khalifa. Look out for many more exciting events and ground-breaking initiatives as the year progresses.
In the MENA region, Bigo Live already has a strong user base. During the second quarter of 2020, the MAUs in the MENA region grew by over 30 percent and this growth is expected to continue as more people explore the possibilities and opportunities that live streaming will bring.
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